[UPDATED] Westports founder G. Gnanalingam dies at 78

KUALA LUMPUR – Westports Holdings Bhd’s founder and executive chairman Tan Sri G Gnanalingam has died at 78.

Bernama reported his demise this afternoon, while The Edge said his family confirmed his passing.

Westports, in a memo to employees now being shared on social media, confirmed his passing, adding that a further announcement will be made in due course.

“It is with profound sadness that Westports Holdings announces that Tan Sri Gnanalingam has passed away.

“We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Tan Sri G’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time,” the company’s memo said.

The prominent businessman founded Westports in Port Klang in the 1990s, elevating the Malaysian shipping and ports sector.

The winner of several awards within the corporate, logistics and transport sector, Gnanalingam made his debut in Forbes’ 2021 billionaires list, with a net worth of about US$1.7 billion at the time and ranked number 1,833.

This year, in May, he was number 13 on Forbes’ Malaysia’s 50 Richest list.

Gnanalingam became the director of Westports Holdings on January 1, 2009 and was appointed as the executive chairman on September 1, 2013.

In 2014, Westports secured a 30 year-extension, from 2024 until 2054, to its concession to operate its container terminals at Pulau Indah and Port Klang.

Educated at the Royal Military College from 1960 until 1964, he obtained his bachelor of arts degree from Universiti Malaya in 1968. He then pursued further studies at the Harvard Business School in Boston, United States, under its Advanced Management Programme in 1983.

Prior to his foray into ports and shipping, Gnanalingam was regarded as a “marketing guru” while working for 19 years in marketing at the Malayan Tobacco Company before leaving to start his own consultancy firm.

The Edge described Gnanalingam, who began working life as a sales rep with the British American Tobacco group, as a self-made billionaire, whose venture into port operations surprised many as he had no prior experience in the sector.

He reportedly started port operations with just 10 cranes, but managed to grow Westports into one of the largest companies on Bursa Malaysia.

PETRA Group chairman Datuk (Dr) Vinod Sekhar, who is in India preparing for major surgery, said, “Tan Sri Gnanalingam represented a generation of business leaders that made Malaysia proud and stood shoulder to shoulder with global corporate giants.”

“He modernised and expanded our port facilities to levels that represented Malaysia’s economic might, at a time when we were the fastest growing nation in the world. 

“Malaysians of all races should look to him as an inspiration for what is possible with hard work and passion. 

“I hope Malaysian Indian entrepreneurs can look to his example and reach for the stars,” he said.

The Port Klang Authority, in a tribute on Facebook, said it shared in the sorrow on Gnanalingam’s passing, calling him “legendary”.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Westports community. 

“Tan Sri G. Gnanalingam’s visionary leadership and immense contributions have transformed Port Klang and the maritime industry as a whole. 

“We honour his remarkable journey and the lasting impact he has made. We will miss his cheeky smile and brilliant mind,” PKA’s post said.

Westports Holdings has also informed Bursa Malaysia of its chairman’s passing, calling the company founder a source of inspiration.

“He touched our lives and the community with his compassion, generosity and kindness. 

“His vision and stewardship of the company have built and transformed Westports and Port Klang into the pre-eminent gateway port in Malaysia and one of the trans-shipment hubs in Southeast Asia,” Westports said. – The Vibes, July 11, 2023